More than five years after Pauline Hanna was found dead at her Remuera home, a coroner will next week begin examining the one question that has never been answered: how did she die?
The inquest hearing begins on Monday, nearly two years after her husband, former Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne, was acquitted of murder following an eight-week trial.
Hanna's death in April 2021 has been the subject of years of headlines, a documentary, a book and podcasts.
The case drew its biggest audience during Polkinghorne's 2024 murder trial, one of the country's most closely watched criminal trials in recent years.
The prosecution alleged Polkinghorne murdered his wife and staged the scene to make it appear she had taken her own life.
The defence maintained Hanna had taken her own life after struggling with depression.
The jury found him not guilty.
But the trial did not determine how Hanna died or whether her death was self-inflicted. Those questions now fall to Coroner Tania Tetitaha.
What the inquest will examine
The hearing will focus on the 24 hours before Hanna's death and the immediate aftermath, including the examination of the scene where she was found.
Over two weeks, the coroner will hear from police officers involved in the investigation, forensic experts, Polkinghorne and his sister, Ruth Hughes.
Expert evidence will be given about Hanna's injuries and the effect of medications found in her system.
Polkinghorne and Hughes are expected to give evidence during the second week.
Beyond determining the circumstances of Hanna's death, the coroner may also make findings or recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in future.
The trial that captivated the country
Polkinghorne was arrested in August 2022, about 16 months after Hanna's death.
The Crown said police concerns began much earlier, arguing officers who attended the couple's Remuera home on the day Hanna died had flagged concerns about the scene.
Crown prosecutor Alysha McClintock told the jury the reported suicide "did not add up".
The trial heard extensive evidence about Polkinghorne's methamphetamine use, spending on sex workers and the state of the couple's relationship.
Polkinghorne's lawyer, Ron Mansfield KC, rejected the Crown case and argued there was "nothing unexplained" about Hanna's death, maintaining she had taken her own life and pointing to evidence of her depression.
After being acquitted, Polkinghorne gave a brief statement to media.
"Today's outcome is a huge turning point in our lives. This process has taken a massive toll on so many of us. But now we can grieve and let Pauline rest in peace.
"That is the best gift we can possibly give her."
Hanna's brother Bruce Hanna said at the time the verdict was "not the decision we wanted" but described the proceedings as "fair".
Media restrictions in place
Media covering the inquest will not be able to publish details of the method, or suspected method, of Hanna's death or information that could identify it. Under the Coroners Act, media are prohibited from publishing those details, unless an exemption is granted by the chief coroner.
However, several media organisations argued the restrictions should be relaxed because much of the evidence had already been aired during Polkinghorne's murder trial and was well known to the public.
Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton declined the applications after receiving expert advice that reporting of such details would lead to a strong risk of copycat behaviour.
The ruling also means media cannot describe Hanna's death as a suicide while that remains an issue before the coroner. Media can refer to Hanna's death as a "suspected suicide".
Judge Tutton noted reporters will still be able to cover key issues such as Hanna's state of mind, her personal circumstances, her relationship with Polkinghorne, allegations of domestic violence and Polkinghorne's admitted methamphetamine use.
Separately, Polkinghorne and his sister have asked the coroner to prevent media from filming, photographing or recording them while they give evidence.
A decision on that is expected during the first week of the inquest.
SHARE ME